Parallel universe: a small, budget-friendly apartment designed to be shared

They’ve been living together for the past few months but sharing life together since day one. Siblings sharing an apartment and making it work. More than work, actually. As they’re both about living their best lives, rather than having the most expensive stuff, they’ve created a home to be enjoyed together and apart. From dance and dinner parties to quiet “me-time” moments, it all happens here.

How would you describe your style?

“Practical pop! Lots of storage, lots of fun colour and always – always – on a budget. Our hallway is very much a what-you see-is-what-you-get welcome into our home. There are hooks, rails and cabinets for all the things we need on the fly and even a note board for some little messages. Sure, we have phones, but we like a bit of analogue cuteness too.”

Adult siblings sharing a one-bedroom apartment. It can be done!
Watch and see how they make it work beautifully, enjoying time together and time apart, thanks to the versatility of each space.

So, a 1-bedroom apartment shared by adult siblings. How’s that going?

“Growing up, we had our fair share of bunk beds. Not this time! When my brother moved in with me, we agreed that I would hold onto my bedroom and we would make a space for him to sleep and store his stuff in the living area. We’ve made the space as flexible as possible – still great for socialising but also private enough for him to feel totally at home.”

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Where did you find all the extra pieces you needed?

“I already had an upholstered bed that I use as a sofa but we were lucky enough to find another at the As Is section at IKEA for a fraction of the original price. In fact many of our pieces were found there”.

Has sharing come with any surprising advantages?

“We know each other too well for any big surprises! But when my brother needed a place to stay, I didn't give it a second thought. Of course, it helps to have someone to split the rent with, and we use less energy and water by living together, but in all honesty, it's his culinary wizardry that really sold me on the plan. Our kitchen offers him all the space he needs to cook up a storm. A huge advantage? The ENHET kitchen series is easy to disassemble – perfect for wherever life take us next.”

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Which part of the home gets the most action?

“Before my brother moved in, I would have said my living room, but you know how it goes: more food, more friends, more dinner parties! Rather than replacing my dining table with a bigger one, we bought a smaller one from the same range from As Is. We just pushed the two together – and look! A lovely, long, customisable dining table: within our budget and lightweight enough to pick up and move for spontaneous dance parties.“

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Want some planet and wallet-friendly furnishing tips?

Interior designer Chiara Effroi Lutteri has some knowledge to share when it comes to making a more sustainable home, dispelling the myth that living more consciously needs to be costly.

Live more sustainably on a budget

You’re both working from home. How does that work?

“When you’re living in a small space, you have to use every bit of available space. Some people aim for a corner office – we've made do with a corridor! We have very different ways of working – my brother preferring things neat and minimal, whereas I flourish when surrounded by colour and inspiration – so storage has helped keep the peace and our spaces as separated as possible.”

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Is there anything you miss about living alone?

“Truth be told, not really. I thought I’d find it tricky having someone around all the time, but my bedroom has really become my selfish, solo spot in the home: filled with my favourite things and space to hang out privately with my pals.”

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Without his own bedroom, how does your brother get some alone time?

“Our courtyard has become my brother's retreat. After a busy workday, he can often be found out there watering (and chatting) to his plants. Green thumbs certainly aren’t hereditary, but what I lack in skill, I make up in enthusiasm for the delicious meals he makes with so many of his homegrown veggies and herbs.”

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It sounds like it’s been a smooth transition. Any serious challenges?

“Hard pressed, I’d say sharing a bathroom again had to be the biggest adjustment. With not much room for storage, we had to be smart. By dotting hooks along the walls, we solved the need for bigger storage pieces. They work in a super versatile way. Need to hang up a towel? There's a hook for that! They work for makeup and toiletry bags – even as space to temporarily hang a mop or place a removable drying rack.”

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